33 Rewarding Humanitarian Jobs That Make a Real Difference

What if you could make a living by having a positive impact on people's lives? Thanks to humanitarian jobs, you can. They are all about effecting change in the lives of people in less-than-fortunate circumstances. And the sad truth is that there is a huge need for this kind of work: Globally, 2.4 billion people do not have adequate sanitation systems, and 663 million people lack access to clean water.1 There is much that needs to be done.

When it comes to international development and humanitarian aid, jobs can be found in a wide range of areas, from technology and engineering to communications and administration. But working in a developing country offers both unique rewards and unique challenges. You can experience different cultures and perform meaningful work, but you may face language barriers or logistical hurdles. It's also important to note that with many international humanitarian jobs, the focus is on training others rather than accomplishing tasks yourself—the idea is to build up the locals' capacity to solve their own problems.

And while humanitarian jobs in Africa, Asia, and South America are often the first that come to mind, you don't necessarily even have to leave the U.S. There are isolated pockets of remote communities in this country (such as in some rural areas of Native American reservations) that do not have basic infrastructure systems like electricity and running water. And disaster relief organizations like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) need workers who can respond when hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes hit the United States.

We've compiled a list of humanitarian jobs that pay and divided it into different occupational sectors, so check those out below. And be sure to read our tips on how to find a job in international development if you're seeking opportunities in the humanitarian field.

Humanitarian Jobs in Engineering

Humanitarian engineering jobs span a broad range of specialties. Whether you focus on civil, environmental, electrical, or mechanical engineering, there are plenty of ways to use your knowledge and skills to solve problems in less-developed areas and improve people's quality of life. Here are a few examples of humanitarian engineer jobs:

1. Electrical engineer

After a natural disaster or armed conflict, electrical engineers are often tasked with finding new ways to bring energy to remote or damaged areas. For instance, they might plan, install, and test photovoltaic systems or develop solar-powered lights or water heaters. They are also responsible for overseeing the construction of electrical systems and making sure everything works as designed.

Median salary—$95,0602

2. Environmental engineer

Designing systems for accessing clean water and safely disposing of waste is one of the major responsibilities of environmental engineers in developing countries. These professionals also research the environmental impact of different development projects, consider issues like air and water pollution, and come up with procedures to clean and restore contaminated sites.

Median salary—$86,8002

3. Mechanical engineer

Mechanical engineers design and develop machines to automate manual jobs and make tasks like growing crops, processing food, and caring for sick people more efficient. They might design diesel generators to bring power to a hospital, develop ovens that utilize solar power, or come up with new ways to pump water to irrigate fields.

Median salary—$85,8802

4. Civil engineer

Planning and developing the basic infrastructure of any community, from schools and roads to dams and bridges, is a major focus of civil engineers. They also play a key role in disaster recovery: They assess the structural integrity of buildings and roads and determine whether damaged areas should be rebuilt or redesigned. They might also develop water treatment or flood defense systems.

Median salary—$84,7702

Humanitarian Jobs in Health

Supporting the well-being of people in developing countries or disaster zones takes the efforts of many different health care professionals. Providing basic medical services, containing outbreaks of diseases not normally seen in the U.S., and educating people about proper nutrition and self-care are often the major areas of focus for these workers. Check out the following examples of humanitarian jobs in the health sector:

1. Physician

This is one of the most obvious humanitarian aid jobs. Whether they provide emergency services to victims of disasters, set up treatment programs for tuberculosis or HIV, or immunize children in remote villages, physicians are always in great demand. Specializing in areas like obstetrics, infectious disease, and pediatrics can further enhance your employment prospects.

Average salary—$211,3902

2. Midwife

In many developing countries, high maternal mortality rates are unfortunately the norm, but midwives are working to change that. They provide basic and emergency medical care for women before, during, and after pregnancy. In addition to delivering babies and looking after both mothers and newborns, they also provide information about nutrition, family planning, and reproductive health issues.

Median salary—$100,590 for certified nurse midwives2

3. Clinical psychologist

Supporting the mental health needs of people experiencing natural disasters or living in war zones is an essential humanitarian function. Clinical psychologists focus on developing psychosocial treatment programs for people who've been newly diagnosed with diseases like HIV/AIDS or for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Being able to adapt tools and interventions to local cultural norms is crucial.

Median salary—$75,0902

4. Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists focus on diseases: how they are caused, how they spread, and how they can be eradicated or contained. You might develop a campaign against malnutrition or investigate an outbreak of cholera or meningitis. A big part of this role involves collecting and analyzing data in order to draw conclusions and make recommendations to health authorities.

With many humanitarian organizations, jobs for nurses are often more about training local staff than caring for patients directly. You might set up a field hospital, oversee a blood drive, or organize and run a feeding center. Having experience in pediatrics, infectious diseases, tropical medicine, or public health can be very useful for this kind of work.

Addressing hunger and malnutrition in developing countries can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. Nutritionists assess the food security and supply systems of different areas to figure out what kinds of food are available and how any nutritional gaps can be filled. Many of them focus on developing programs for particularly vulnerable groups, such as children or pregnant women.

Median salary—$59,4102

7. Health promoter

Health promoters feature prominently on any humanitarian jobs list. They are in charge of analyzing the public health needs of various regions and developing promotional campaigns that respect and accommodate local traditions, cultures, and perceptions. They are also often responsible for supervising and training local health promotion workers.

Technicians who can analyze blood and sputum samples for signs of illness or disease are critical members of any humanitarian aid team. Your role could involve setting up a mobile clinic, managing lab supplies, or training local technicians in proper procedures. Courses in microbiology or immunology will serve you well in this field.

Median salary—$38,9502

Humanitarian Jobs in Science and Technology

Researching and developing the scientific and technological advances that support humanitarian missions around the world requires the expertise of professionals from a number of fields. Some of these jobs involve a lot of fieldwork, though some can be done from a remote office or lab. Here are just a few of the humanitarian jobs available in the science and technology realm:

Organizations that bring aid to disaster areas and conflict zones turn to database developers to come up with systems to store and manage huge amounts of information. For instance, you could develop and maintain databases for identifying and tracking displaced people. You might also be responsible for making sure the data remains secure.

Median salary—$87,020 for database administrators2

2. Hydrologist

Hydrologists are experts in the water cycle. They apply their knowledge of stream flows and lake evaporation to issues of water availability, use, and quality. They work alongside engineers and other technical professionals to establish safe water sources, predict changes in water supply, and mitigate flood risks.

Humanitarian organizations often have workers spread across the globe, and keeping them all connected is a top priority. Typical tasks for network administrators include monitoring and maintaining data networks and telecommunications systems, overseeing the installation of new equipment, and making sure all systems run effectively.

Median salary—$81,1002

4. Agronomist

Helping farmers produce bountiful, disease-free crops is one of the primary goals of agronomists in developing nations. These soil and plant experts focus on the planting and harvesting of crops for fuel and food production. They might help farmers implement more efficient cultivation practices or perform experiments to improve crop yields.

Median salary—$62,430 for all soil and plant scientists2

Humanitarian Jobs in Management, Operations, and Administration

Organizing and coordinating the people, supplies, and resources required to support a humanitarian operation is an enormous undertaking that relies on the talents and expertise of workers in fields ranging from logistics to finance. If you have skills in management and administration, there are countless ways you can contribute to humanitarian efforts. Check out these suggestions:

1. Logistician

Getting supplies from point A to point B in a timely and efficient manner is the primary job of logisticians. They're in charge of managing the supply chain and making sure that everyone on the project team has what they need when they need it. That means dealing with issues related to ordering, purchasing, shipping, and storage.

With projects on the go in a multitude of countries around the world, humanitarian organizations need human resources specialists to recruit and screen staff, coordinate work visas and permits, and ensure that operations comply with local labor laws. These professionals may also oversee payroll and other administrative functions.

Median salary—$60,3502

3. Operations specialist

Operations specialists are managers who coordinate the work of teams responsible for procurement, project management, infrastructure development, and day-to-day operations. The idea is to make sure systems are in place to integrate all of these functions. Depending on the specific role, you might manage budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, or establish supply pipelines.

Median salary—$56,0224

4. Grants and funding specialist

Grants are the lifeblood of many humanitarian organizations. Grants and funding specialists are in charge of identifying and pursuing appropriate funding sources, satisfying donor reporting requirements, and making sure the grant is used in a way that complies with its terms and conditions. Being fluent in more than one language can be useful.

Median salary—$55,640 for fundraisers2

5. Financial administrator

Every organization needs someone to track the money coming in and going out. Some financial administrators plan budgets, manage payroll, and produce financial reports; others also take on human resources tasks like recruitment and training. Most positions require a degree in accounting, finance, or business administration.

Median salary—$47,9554

6. Training coordinator

Training coordinators apply their expertise in learning theory to the development of training materials and policies for humanitarian staff. In many cases, they teach and manage staff members who are then responsible for training local workers. At the entry level, this role typically involves tracking and managing training resources and handling any logistical challenges related to courses and events.

Median salary—$46,1435

7. Procurement assistant

Finding the best quality materials and services at the best prices is the name of the game for procurement assistants. They support humanitarian projects by making sure required goods are purchased and delivered. This involves researching markets, obtaining quotes, processing purchase orders, managing invoices, and maintaining lists of suppliers.

As the first point of contact in humanitarian organizations, administrative assistants use their interpersonal and communication skills to answer queries from and provide information to staff members all over the world. They schedule meetings, organize events, make travel arrangements, and perform other clerical and office duties.

Median salary—$35,5902

Humanitarian Jobs in Communications

Communication is essential to the success of any humanitarian effort. From appealing for public support for a particular mission to ensuring that far-flung workers get the information they need to get the job done, there are a variety of ways you can make a difference. Some humanitarian jobs in this sector include:

1. Communications officer

Generating positive media coverage of a humanitarian organization's activities requires highly developed writing and interpersonal skills as well as a solid understanding of public relations and marketing principles. The idea is to craft messages that will influence policy makers and encourage public support. Cultivating relationships with journalists and bloggers is important in this line of work.

Median salary—$48,9724

2. Digital media coordinator

Can you produce content that makes an impact? Digital media coordinators develop strategies for creating dynamic and engaging content for sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This role also includes monitoring public perception of the organization and responding to comments from followers. The ability to adapt content for different languages and cultural perceptions is a key skill for this job.

Median salary—$48,2584

3. Mobile communications office vehicle operator

Sometimes the only way to provide voice and data connectivity in disaster areas is through a specially outfitted cargo truck or recreational vehicle. Mobile communications office vehicle operators operate, set up, and maintain these trucks. That involves selecting a setup location, running cables, connecting to satellites, and maintaining radio repeaters and local area networks. A commercial driver's license is required.

Pay range—$16.46 to $24.65 an hour6

4. Radio operations specialist

In many areas, ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers requires keeping radio networks running 24/7. That means there is a need for specialists who can maintain the equipment, monitor radio communications, and track the movements of vehicles and workers. Fielding security calls and directing them to the appropriate office is also part of this job.

Median salary—$25,1094

More Jobs in the Humanitarian Field

As you can see, there are a whole host of ways you can build a career that involves improving the lives of people in desperate circumstances. The following is a collection of additional humanitarian jobs that don't fit in the other categories:

1. Humanitarian affairs officer

These officers monitor and report on the humanitarian situation in disaster areas and conflict zones. They evaluate emergency preparedness and conduct needs assessments. The information they collect from local officials and the people they serve is used to plan programs and policies that better reflect the needs of the local populations.

Median salary—$70,9617

2. Economic affairs officer

The job of economic affairs officers is to analyze economic conditions in their assigned areas and come up with policy and strategy recommendations for intergovernmental organizations. They evaluate economic cooperation among different regions and look for ways to encourage sustainable development. An advanced degree in economics is generally required.

Median salary—$68,9047

3. Education advisor

Are you passionate about ensuring that children suffering through crises and emergencies get safe access to quality education? Education advisors coordinate the development and delivery of educational programs in areas affected by conflicts and disasters. That could include training local teachers to provide literacy programs or developing campaigns to engage parents in the educational process.

Median salary—$65,283 for education consultants5

4. Data analyst

If you can draw meaningful insights from large datasets, you could be an asset to a humanitarian organization. Data analysts collect and analyze data in order to help policy makers come to informed decisions. In this role, you might conduct surveys and studies, create or customize data management systems, or develop more efficient data processing procedures.

Median salary—$58,0214

5. Legal aid officer

People fleeing conflict zones face a number of hurdles that legal aid officers can help address. These professionals assist displaced people by providing counseling and information about issues relating to protection, work permits, and asylum access. You don't have to be a licensed lawyer, but you will need a law degree; it helps to have experience with immigration or refugee law.

Median salary—$50,410 for legal assistants2

4 Tips for Finding a Job in International Development

Breaking into the humanitarian aid field can be tough, but it's not impossible. It's true that you're often competing against thousands of highly educated candidates from all over the world, but there are concrete steps you can take to help you stand out from the crowd. Here are some tips that may help boost your chances of landing a paid job in international development:

1. Assess your own readiness.

Do you have the compassion, cultural sensitivity, and thick skin you'll need to stick it out in humanitarian work? Are you prepared to tolerate deplorable living conditions and face unimaginable human suffering? If you're the kind of person who balks at sleeping in a mud hut or faints at the sight of blood, you won't get far in this field. But if you're patient, resilient, and determined, you have a better chance of finding success.

2. Do the prep work.

As a starting point, make sure that your passport is valid and that your vaccinations are up to date. Research the history, culture, and politics of the places you'd like to go and think about how your skills could apply to the needs of the local populace. Language training is also important—French and Arabic are particularly useful, though it depends on the specific area you're targeting. And you might want to consider going to graduate school: Even entry-level humanitarian jobs are highly competitive, and a master's degree is often the minimum education level that hiring managers will accept.

3. Get field experience.

Getting volunteer experience that involves living and working in developing countries is without question the best way to get a foothold in humanitarian work. Even if you have an Ivy League degree and years of corporate experience, your resume likely won't impress anyone in the humanitarian world unless it also includes substantial experience in international aid (particularly if you work on the front lines in places with more extreme circumstances). Two or three volunteer posts can go a long way toward helping you land a paid gig.

Joining the Peace Corps is a common way to get experience. You might also want to think about donating your time to organizations like the Red Cross, Amnesty International, or Engineers Without Borders. Some aid agencies offer internships or fellowships, although most of these are only open to candidates with graduate degrees. When you do volunteer, be sure to cultivate relationships with others in the organization and ask for reference letters when it's time to move on.

4. Be flexible.

Whether it's a paid opportunity or not, be prepared to go wherever an agency wants to send you, even if it's not the area you want to go to or the kind of work you want to do. Many humanitarian assignments last only a few months, so you will likely be able to move on in a short time after accumulating some valuable experience.

And don't just focus on the well-known aid agencies, which are often overwhelmed with applications. Targeting smaller non-governmental organizations can mean less competition for available opportunities. Do some online research to see what you can find. Note that many smaller organizations in the developing world don't have websites; it can sometimes be easier to show up and scout out the situation locally, though you should be financially prepared if you choose to go that route.

Take the First Step Toward a Rewarding Future

Humanitarian jobs can be found all across the globe as well as right here in the U.S. Now that you've explored some of the possibilities, it's time to think about getting the skills you need to get started on your career journey. The job-focused training offered by vocational colleges, trade schools, and technical institutes can help prepare you for a rewarding future that involves making a positive difference. Just enter your zip code into the search tool below to find convenient training programs near you!